March 25, 2014

Nikonians Academy curriculum in full swing

With warmer weather ahead of them, our Nikonians Academy instructors are engaged in a heavy schedule of workshops and photo adventure tours.

The Masters Series tour continued this week, when Steve Simon started his New York City workshops. He will then head for Los Angeles (beginning April 1) and Chicago (starting April 8).

He will then make his way to Texas, where he will lead the workshops in Dallas (starting April 29) and Houston – The Woodlands (starting May 6). Mike Hagen's Master's Series workshops commence in New Jersey on April 3.

This will take you on two days of photography instruction and discovery in Yosemite Valley, with a course curriculum focusing on shooting techniques and learning to read the scene, amidst the splendor of the roaring waterfalls.

Photographing Yosemite in the spring is not about finding the locations, but all about the timing.

Yosemite Valley, with its countless blooming flowers, tall green grasses, roaring rapids in the Merced River and the showcase of them all: over a dozen waterfalls pouring over the towering cliffs of the valley’s rim, makes for an iconic photographic location. Coupled with the dramatic backdrop of the sheer granite walls and iconic lofty, precipitous spires, peaks and domes, spring time in Yosemite is a photographer’s delight.

While Yosemite’s major granite landmarks, such as Glacier Point, Half Dome and El Capitan, can be photographed year-round, the waterfalls run only in spring, and some for only a few months before running dry.

As the sun rises and transits the sky, shining down into this east-west valley, the light changes quickly, turning a dull location into something spectacular, sometimes only for a few minutes.

Grand Teton

Jim Stamates one of North America's most successful wildlife photographers, leads you to the amazing wildlife and scenics of Grand Teton National Park starting May 26.

This springtime four-day photo adventure is an exciting time.

Bison, Moose and Elk have dropped their young. Birds are nesting and beavers and river otters tend to their young. We arrive before dawn at Schwabacher Landing and we wait for the sun to kiss the tops of the snowcapped Grand Tetons.

The reflection in the beaver pond adds the perfect touch to our first image of the day.

Then on to Mormon Row to get the classic shot of the barns with snowcapped peaks in the background. Bison herds move in unison as the brand new calves jump, play and chase each other. That’s just the first morning and we have many opportunities awaiting us.

For photographers hoping to shoot landscapes and wildlife in North America this spring and summer, we have you covered.

This is an intense four days of photography. You will position yourself each day before dawn for the best light and best wildlife or landscape options. You will visit the many icons of Yellowstone including Yellowstone Falls, Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, Mammoth Hot Springs and more, while keeping a keen eye for wildlife along the way. Each day ends with your cards filled with exceptional images. You eat lunch as a group at a restaurant within the park taking time to socialize and get to know fellow enthusiasts. Instruction will be in the field. No strenuous hiking.

Make sure you check our Nikonians Academy home page often. That is where Mike Hagen posts the latest workshop and photo adventure news and schedules.